EVALUATION OF CANIS HAIR AS A POTENTIAL WILD PIG REPELLENT ON COWDEN PLANTATION, JACKSON, SC

Abstract

Invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) continue to have a destructive impact across the world. The uncontrolled spread of these intrusive animals has affected many cultures, making it important to develop management methods across many locales. Wild pigs are often hunted with dogs; however, this method may not be suitable or legal in all areas impacted by this animal. In consideration of this fact, along with the knowledge that pigs have a highly developed sense of smell, led us to the hypothesis: Can a natural scent function as a satisfactory pig repellant? Based upon our past testing trials of potential scents in the Savannah River swamp near Jackson, SC, dog hair appeared to have a potential effect. We designed this experiment to attract wild pigs into an area baited with corn, and subsequently applied dog hair to the same area. Trail cameras were used at study locations to observe the normal patterns of wild pigs before and after dog hair applications. We analyzed our data by noting the presence and absence of pigs throughout our study trials. Image totals were also examined to determine if the dog hair dissuaded the pigs from entering the area. Our results supported our hypothesis.